Get ready for Kingswood

Making music for an album is no mean feat, especially when prized instruments and recordings are stolen from your studio during the process.

Melbourne rock outfit Kingswood fell victim to that twist of fate last year, and lead vocalist Fergus Linacre said two albums worth of music was lost as a result.

“We had recorded a lot of music over a few years. Everywhere we were touring we would stop and record somewhere. We had about two albums worth of stuff, but it didn’t feel like a family of songs because it was recorded all over the place.

“Some sounded like Daft Punk, and some sounded country. We didn’t know how to consolidate it all, and we were just in the process of doing it when this terrible thing happened.

“But it led us to pack up and finish the record in Nashville where our first two albums were recorded (Microscopic Wars and After Hours, Close to Dawn). It was a good move, it allowed us to get away from everything and get it all done. You’ve got to look at the silver lining when these sorts of things happen, and it ultimately led to this record in its current form.”

That record is Juveniles, which is being released on March 13.

Written by Fergus (best known as Ferg) and Alex Laska (lead guitar and vocals), Juveniles is their best collaboration yet.

Ferg said songwriting for Kingswood can be likened to therapy.

“When Al and I write, either alone or together, it generally comes directly from situations or relationships that we have. It sounds cliché but it’s just the truth.

“We sit and talk together with our song books and write things down. The songs aren’t always about love – they can be about death, emotions or feelings we’re going through.

“They’re often introspective things that are happening in either of our lives. We really open up with one another. We already know each other’s secrets, so writing songs is getting stuff off our chest.

“When we do Kingswood, we don’t rush it… we wait until something comes to us. With all of these songs we let our fans deep into our hearts and minds.”

But what he’s most proud of on the album is the harmonious balance of experimentation and refinement.

Sophomore record After Hours, Close to Dawn was made to polarise people, but Juveniles was made to show fans they’re better musicians now.

“We took songwriting and experimenting to the edge on the second record. We wanted it to be shocking; that’s why the album is so crazy,” Ferg said.

“I don’t think the last album didn’t work or I don’t think this album is being safe in any way, I love the last album, and I think it will always stand the test of time.

“But in this album I think we’re better musicians, better writers and we’re not trying to piss anyone off – we’re just trying to make really good music.”

When asked to reveal his favourite song on Juveniles, Ferg took a moment before responding with “Cigarettes in Bed”.

“It’s one that I really connected with. It’s a love song to anyone you’ve lost in your life that you still care about. It’s part inspired by a great line at the end of this French movie. The two main characters meet up after a long time of separation and one of them wants to get back together, but the other says ‘I don’t love you anymore, but I have infinite tenderness for you’.”

“We pinched that line in a way because it’s such a beautiful way to express that just because I’m not in love with you, it doesn’t mean I don’t have some sort of feeling for you.”

The ARIA-nominated rockers will kick off their 20-date national tour in Geelong at the Barwon Club Hotel on March 12.

Ferg said the boys were thrilled to play new music to their Geelong fanbase.

“We’re very excited to play Geelong. We haven’t done it in such a long time. It’s gotten less off the circuit for a lot of bands but it’s certainly coming back as a city people are adding to tours now.”

People who pre-order Juveniles will go in the running to win a Gibson Les Paul classic guitar worth $4,199.

Head to kingswood.lnk.to/juveniles to get yours. For tickets to Kingswood’s Geelong show, head to livenation.com.au.